Group Head of Finance
Business need
FINANCE, ACCOUNTANCY & HR RECRUITMENT IN PORTSMOUTH
Your specialist recruitment partner in Portsmouth
Connecting great businesses with exceptional professionals
Over 28 years in Portsmouth. 105 years of combined expertise. Specialising in finance, accountancy and HR recruitment. Relationships are at the core of everything we do. We’re not a generalist agency that dips into this market. We’ve helped build it. Whatever brings you here, a career move or a critical hire, you’ll find people who genuinely know this market and want to get it right
The data
Portsmouth snapshot
Portsmouth snapshot
What we've delivered
84%
of permanent offers accepted by candidates over three years
28+
years of CMA operation in Portsmouth
72%
returning client rate over the last 3 years
Start your recruitment journey in Portsmouth
The team are ready to share their expert knowledge today.
Speak To The Team
The team are ready to share their expert knowledge today.
Featured jobs
Here are our latest finance and HR roles from businesses we have partnered with in Portsmouth.
Meet our Southampton team
We prioritise building relationships with our clients and candidates, taking the time to really understand you or your business needs and aspirations. Getting your next hire or your next career move right is critical. Our team offer regional insights, expert knowledge and years of recruitment experience.
What people in Portsmouth are saying...
“The CMA Portsmouth team really understood what I was looking for. They matched me with a role that fits my skills and gives me room to grow.”
- Finance Assistant
Placed 2024
CASE STUDY: Goodwood
Goodwood is a large country estate near Chichester in West Sussex
Owned by the Duke of Richmond, Goodwood is best known for hosting the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival motorsport events, alongside its renowned horse racing course and championship golf course.
Goodwood required a high-calibre hire to support its growth ambitions. CMA conducted a broad search, identifying the best talent and ensuring a strong selection of candidates to choose from.
3 months
from brief to hire
3 candidates
shortlisted
10 years
on and the candidate is now Finance Director
West Sussex
Location
£140M turnover
Business size
Membership & Events
Industry
The CMA Pledge
Our team take the time to understand your needs and provide a transparent and supportive recruitment process, so you can make decisions with confidence and clarity. To reflect this, our pledge offers a free replacement or 100% refund during the first 100 days of an appointment.
Whether you are an HR, finance or accounting professional looking to take the next step in your career, or an established business looking to grow your team, we can help.
Basingstoke finance, accountancy recruitment:
What you need to know
Professional Services | Manufacturing | FMCG
1,451 average candidate registrations over 3 years
Executive £90k-£120k+ | Entry-level £25k-£35k
What Portsmouth says about us
William Ambrose
23:24 01 Jul 26
I had a fantastic experience with CMA Recruitment, particularly with Nikki Walker.I was looking to move into accountancy practice despite having no previous practice experience, and Nikki was incredibly supportive throughout the whole process. She took the time to understand my long-term career goals, kept me focused when the job search became challenging, and always offered honest, practical advice.Her communication was excellent throughout, and she genuinely cared about finding the right opportunity rather than just placing me into any role. Thanks to Nikki's support, I have now secured a position in accountancy practice, which is exactly the direction I wanted my career to take.I would highly recommend both Nikki and CMA Recruitment to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable and supportive recruitment consultant.
Weronika Pawlak
16:32 08 May 26
Michelle Peña Stapleton has been very helpful and supportive throughout the process. I would 100% recommend.
iciar bats
12:43 25 Mar 26
Nothing but great words to say about Danielle-Jade and Lynsey. They made job searching easy, and gave me all the motivation I needed to land the perfect role.
Catherine Sole-Pike
14:22 15 Jan 26
Fantastic efficent and helpful team that go above and beyond for candidates. Be sure to contact them if you are looking for your next role!
monia25cimka
05:50 20 Nov 25
CMA has responded very quickly to my interest on Indeed and eventually found me a great, competitive placement with above the market benefits and remuneration. Many thanks to Richard amongst the others. Richard made sure I am prepared for the interview and was checking on me regularly. I owe you my success! Others from Portsmouth branch were also very helpful, Team works like a network and can share your details to other branches should you wish to broaden your search.
Angela Cuesta
20:40 18 Nov 25
I would like to say a massive thank you to Lynsey for all of her help, guidance and support in achieving exactly what I was after.I came in to CMA for a quick chat with regards to what I was looking for, a new industry - with zero experience. A short 2 month turnover, I was offered a position!I’m now in my 2nd week at my new job, happy and content.From phone calls, to meeting in person, Lynsey has always been super personable.I cannot express my gratitude enough.Thank you Lynsey and CMA!
Jav
16:14 18 Nov 25
Danielle-Jade has been brilliant and supportive throughout my job search — proactive, personable, and genuinely invested in finding the right fit in role for me. She understood my priorities from day one and kept communication clear, timely, and human (a rare thing in recruitment!). Often you feel like just another CV in the pile with other recruitment companies - not with CMA! If you're looking for someone who balances professionalism with real empathy, you're in excellent hands. Thanks again, Danielle — much appreciated as always!
Michael Purdy-Cassidy
14:38 11 Aug 25
Excellent services received from CMA, in particular both Danielle and Lynsey. I was only registered with CMA for a little over one month and ended up being offered to job roles at once! Both were great offers and good matches, however one of those job offers ended up being a perfect match and was exactly what was looking for in all aspects at this stage of my career. Both Danielle and Lynsey are a credit to CMA and recruitment as a whole, genuinely putting the candidates needs ahead of margins.
evan ash
06:55 30 Jul 25
Absolutely fantastic company. Lynsey was amazing, super friendly and helped me get a great opportunity within a few weeks. Could not be more impressed.
Tracey Garrett
17:01 27 May 25
What can I say but wow. Lynsay is a credit to your agency she is absolutely fantastic. She was there every step in the process from the start to the end. Thank you for your support.
Marty Eli Bower
18:19 21 May 25
Lynsey's guidance and support in finding my new job has honestly been the best experience I have ever had with a recruiter. In my experience, CMA Recruitment really do care about their candidates and Lynsey went to great lengths to ensure the role I took on was going to be suitable and the correct career path for me. Having spoken to multiple other CMA staff members, I can say that they are always a pleasure to talk to.I recommend CMA Recruitment without hesitation.Thank you to Lynsey and the team!
Katie Parsons
14:34 02 May 25
Danielle at CMA helped me find a job in less than 2 weeks after being made redundant! It was a smooth and easy process. My new job is going very well and I am much happier than at my previous job. So it was a blessing in disguise. Thank you Danielle for all your help 😊
James Booker
18:15 10 Mar 25
Lynsey was very easy to work with and identified the right roles for my experience. She worked really hard for me and negotiated a better rate of pay than was offered which I really appreciated. It was a really good experience working with CMA and would have no hesitation in working with CMA again and recommending you to my colleagues/friends if they are in the position of looking for alternative employment.
Sam Summer Day
20:50 17 Feb 25
Excellent experience working with CMA, highly recommend. I recently worked with Richard to find my new role, within the Marine Industry. I couldn't be happier with the experience. They were very thorough and professional. I highly recommend CMA if you are thinking of looking for your next challenge!
Zac Smith
19:11 06 Feb 25
Michelle was such a great help in securing me a role. The whole process was so easy. From first meeting Michelle and the team, they guided me through the process and took the time to get to know me as a person and what I was looking for in terms of work. Throughout the whole recruitment process, Michelle was always at hand to help with any queries along with regular catch ups to see how I was doing.When a job opportunity came up, Michelle called and told me that she had found the perfect job for me. Not just in terms of the job spec but also in terms of my personality and aligning with the team. Michelle was absolutely spot on with this! The job that Michelle found for me has so far ticked every box and far exceeded my expectations.I really can't thank Michelle and the team enough for all of their help in securing me a role. The whole process was so easy and simple.I've already been speaking to my friends and recommending CMA . I really can't speak highly enough and will always keep them in mind if I am ever in a similar situation in the future.Thank you so much for all of your help Michelle!
Elliot RR
17:01 17 Dec 24
Lynsey from CMA was so helpful and supportive in assisting me to secure my ideal role when I looked to move forward in my finance career. I have been working in my new role for 7 months now and I cannot thank her and the whole team at CMA enough for listening to my needs and criteria and for working so hard to find a role that fitted perfectly. I would definitely recommend CMA, I will certainly use them again in the future.
Wojciech Jastak
18:38 31 Oct 24
I had a fantastic experience with CMA Recruitment in Portsmouth. Their team was supportive, professional, and attentive throughout the process, matching me with a finance role that aligns perfectly with my career goals. They took the time to understand my skills and aspirations, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Communication was excellent—I always felt informed and prepared every step of the way. I highly recommend CMA Recruitment to anyone seeking opportunities in finance; they truly go above and beyond to find the right fit. I would like to say a special huge thank you to Danielle and Michelle for making my experience perfect. I am very grateful. Thanks to CMA.I'm now in a role I’m thrilled about!"
Louise P
18:57 10 Sep 24
I had a great experience with the support and assistance in obtaining a job after being made redundant. They were very considerate and understanding of what I was searching for and worked hard to find jobs that would match my skills and interests.A big thank you to Michelle and her team, after care was also appreciated!
David Cradock
19:18 21 Aug 24
Great service provided by Danielle-Jade at CMA Portsmouth. They listen to what you're looking for, help you get opportunities that you might not find, and most importantly keep in touch through out your recruitment journey with them. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a HR or finance role in or around the Portsmouth area.
Ashton Perkins
10:19 15 Aug 24
I’ve had a great experience working with CMA. A special thank you to Michelle and Lynsey they have always gone above and beyond to find the perfect job role for me.
Simba Chikandwa
10:21 23 Mar 24
They managed to come through in an amazing way-help in securing an interview & even the preps for it. And its all free. Salute to you CMA.
Alonso IVG
15:02 21 Mar 24
I cannot speak highly enough of CMA Recruitment Portsmouth and the exceptional service they provide. From start to finish, my experience with them has been nothing short of outstanding.First and foremost, the team at CMA Recruitment Portsmouth is incredibly efficient. They waste no time in identifying suitable job opportunities and matching candidates with roles that align perfectly with their skills and career goals. Their streamlined processes and attention to detail ensure that every candidate receives personalized support tailored to their individual needs.
James L
17:07 27 Jan 24
I would highly recommend CMA to anyone looking for assistance with their job search. They were of huge help after I had moved to the Portsmouth area.Both Michelle & Lynsey were extremely professional, understood my requirements and sent roles which were of real interest to me.I'm now several months into a position brought to my attention by CMA, which I'm really enjoying. Thank you and hope to work again with you in future.
Carmel Peckham
14:59 18 Nov 23
I first used CMA when I relocated to the South Coast from London eight years ago. At the time Denise helped me to secure a nine month maternity cover temp role. They meet all candidates either face to face at their offices or via Teams to find out exactly what they are looking for, whether it is temporary work, hybrid working or flexible working and take the time to follow up. The team are very professional and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone seeking a finance new role. Thank you to all the team at CMA.
Sulaiman Gafoor
09:18 31 Oct 23
I had a fantastic experience with Danielle-Jade Neil. She was incredibly helpful and made the recruitment process smooth and efficient. Her professionalism and support were truly appreciated. Highly recommend her services!"
Iain's Bricks
19:30 08 Oct 23
I signed up with CMA in mid August 2023 and were really impressed with how they helped me in my search for a new job.Initially, I had a Facetime interview with one of the recruitment team, in which they found out about me and the type of role I was looking for.Pretty much straight away after this, I was forwarded details of numerous jobs that met what I was looking for and interviews for suitable positions were arranged.My interviews went well, and on 1st September I was contacted by CMA that I had been successful and had been offered a job.I've just finished my first week with my new employer and I am so pleased with how things have turned out.Special thanks go to Sam and Ben at the Bournemouth office for all their initial help and support, and a massive thank you to Michelle in Portsmouth who has just been fantastic from start to finish. She even called me after my first day at my new job to check everything went well, which was much appreciated.I can highly recommend CMA Recruitment Group.
Viviane Garnett
10:29 31 Aug 23
CMA has been second to none since my first interview with them. Danielle, Michelle and Linsey are considerate professionals who have been supporting me on my new role even after I am not in their books anymore. After customer care excellent, they keep in touch, all their team is five stars! If I consider a new job in the future, I will call CMA recruitment again and again, the best recruitment agency I have signed for!
Owen Films
06:55 16 Aug 23
Very positive experience with CMA. I was struggling to find an entry-level accounting position that suited me, but CMA helped me find something good within just a few weeks and were very helpful along the way. Highly recommend. Also, thank you to Lyndsey. She is an absolute asset to this company.
Ellie Barnes
17:41 31 Jul 23
I found Lynsey & Michelle to be really informative & helpful. I believe they have found my dream job. I appreciate all the hard work you put into helping me 👏⭐️
Joe Balloqui
11:17 04 Jul 23
Claire Lenn
10:09 08 May 23
I first used CMA in 2005 when I was looking for a new Finance job. They helped me secure a role which was exactly what I was looking for at the time. Since then, when I have needed a new job, I have only used CMA as I am confident that they will be able to find me a suitable job. I have mainly dealt with Michelle and Lynsey, who have always been very helpful and encouraging, and take the time to understand exactly what you are looking for. I would recommend CMA to anyone looking for a Finance role.
James Snook
12:14 25 Apr 23
The service, professionalism and communication I have experienced from Denise at CMA has been simply outstanding.She has supported me every step of the way and has been an absolute pleasure to deal with.Denise is a diamond of recruitment and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Tuggers
13:26 12 Mar 23
CMA have been so supportive throughout my journey to find the perfect finance role. I have mainly dealt with Michelle and Danielle-Jade but everyone I’ve interacted with at CMA during the process has always been professional, friendly and understanding. I just wanted to say a big thank you - I am looking forward to starting my new job tomorrow :)Kind RegardsMel Sutton
Zubair Gbolarumi
14:41 17 Feb 23
Don't even know where to start but would like to say a massive thank you to CMA especially Lynsey and Michelle, they helped me secured my first temp job then got me a better temp job before the other one finishes and now the second temp job just became permanent job all in the space of 18months, Lynsey and Michelle always call up to check on me and see how i am doing which goes to show they really care.I really appreciate you all and wouldn't have done it without youFrom the bottom of my heart i want to say a big THANK YOU and thank you for everything 😊
Kiran Boyland
10:37 16 Jan 23
Can't thank the team enough. Found lots of vacancies that were suitable and helped get me interviews. Then also helped guide me through that process. Would definitely recommend to others and I will be going back to them if/when I need my next role.
Ionut Stan
23:03 07 Dec 22
Great agency. Really helpful and professional. Thank you for getting me the opportunity to reach the best job I ever had for the best company I ever worked for.
Rachel Evans
14:05 30 Nov 22
CMA have really impressed me. Denise inparticular, she gave great support throughout interview process, following up on day of interview and following feedback at each round. A really professional and supportive Recruitment Agency. I thoroughly recommend!
Ramona Sisu
12:07 04 Oct 22
My experience with CMA has been fantastic, I can't recommend them enough. Michelle, Richard and everyone else will go extra miles to help you to find your dream job.
Jamie Tinsley
10:08 21 Sep 22
Samuel Grace
20:01 04 Sep 22
My experience with CMA has been fantastic. Nikki helped me secure an amazing job and has supported me throughout the entire process. CMA provides a professional, efficient and friendly service and I would definitely recommend them to anyone searching for a new role.
Adrian Maddock
20:54 11 Aug 22
I can’t recommend CMA highly enough.Denise has always been available to give advice, listens and understood my circumstance.They deliver a very professional yet friendly service (Denise, Alasdair & Zoe).Thank you
David Pointon
07:34 19 May 22
I have worked with CMA since 2006 and have found that weather it be Mark, Becky or any of the other members of the team, they always listen carefully to what you are looking for and try to match to the opportunities they have. I would recommend CMA without reservation weather you are looking for a role or have a role that needs filling. They always follow up after making a placement to make sure it is working for both parties.
miroslava golecka
22:34 12 May 22
I have very good experience with CMA. They are very nice people to deal with, dedicated to get you the right job of your dream.Lynsey, Michelle and Richard doing outstanding job. I would recommend them to anyone.Thank you to all in office in Havant
noemi sarkozi
15:22 01 Mar 22
Throughout my career I have been dealing with a lot of recruitment agencies. All the same, I thought! You do the initial interview and never hear from them again. Until I came across CMA Portsmouth. They are the best recruitment agency I worked with in the UK. They were in constant contact with me, replied to every email and phone call, queries and concerns. They sent me to numerous interviews and they found my dream job. I very much recommend them to anyone! Thank you Michelle, Lynsey and Richard!
Marlena Agata Taylor
12:33 07 Feb 22
My experience with CMA Recruitment Group was really good. Michelle did an outstanding job matching me with jobs and possible employers as well as supporting me through interview preparation and my temporary assignment to now when I am in my full time permanent employment.The whole team is brilliant, whenever I called with questions I received needed help. Thank you so much Michelle and CMA Portsmouth! I highly recommend them !
Judy Underwood
13:04 12 Jan 22
After registering with CMA, it wasn't long before Lynsey had several roles to offer me. One of which I was fortunate enough to land. The communication was outstanding at every stage of the process, and I can't thank this agency enough their help and assistance. They are attentive and I highly recommend them.
Ian Booth
13:11 14 Sep 21
What a wonderful team, with particular thanks to my main contacts; Lynsey and Michelle. In trying to get a specific permanent role they have helped me out by not only putting me forward for permanent positions but also ensuring I got in some temp work to not only keep the pennies rolling in but also to ensure that I didn't lose the working habit.
Susan Mathieson
12:54 23 Aug 21
My experience with CMA has been amazing. Michelle has been brilliant and supportive throughout the whole process of finding me employment and then through the actual period of my contracts.Michelle has matched me up so well with jobs, she really is very good in her role.Alison has also been a star and always at the end of the phone to help me with all the admin task.
Ying Wang
21:01 18 Aug 21
I have been using CMA for my career development (job hunting) for the past five years and have always been completely satisfied with their service. They do an excellent job, always professional, informative, and offer the best match in the job market. If you looking to switch jobs, move up on the career ladder or looking for more challenging jobs etc, CMA is the one for you, they are the expert to help you find the best job match. Highly recommend 😊
Louise Millson
19:01 08 Aug 21
Thank you for finding me my new adventure. Very professional and quick to act to find my new job.
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At CMA, we recruit for everything from bookkeeping and payroll roles through to Finance Manager, Finance Business Partner and Financial Controller positions. Whether you’re an experienced finance professional or just starting your career in the sector, our team can help you find the right opportunity.
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We regularly recruit for contract and interim roles across Portsmouth and the surrounding area. These opportunities are ideal for seasonal workers, students and part-time professionals, while helping local businesses access high-quality, flexible and reliable talent.
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We have a long history of helping newly qualified accountants take the first step in their careers. Whether you’re ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, our consultants use their extensive network of contacts to connect you with the right opportunities and help you build a successful career in finance.
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Whilst the marine and defence sectors remain at the heart of Portsmouth’s economy, the engineering, logistics and technology sectors have continued to grow and thrive. With more than 40 years of recruitment expertise, local businesses trust CMA to deliver the talent they need and consistently exceed expectations.
Contact CMA Portsmouth
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portsmouth@cmarecruitment.co.uk
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023 9248 0524
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Building 1000
Langstone Technology Park
2B Langstone Road
Havant
Hampshire
PO9 1SA